Marianne Overton MBE - thanks

Election thanks from Marianne Overton MBE, Leader of the Lincolnshire Independents

We had a huge turnout at the polling booths on May 7th as people took up their power to vote, as high as 75% overall in my ward.  In particular, thank you to all who voted for Lincolnshire Independents on that Thursday.

Although getting plenty of votes, our first-past-the-post system meant that Independents were squeezed and we lost some good councillors. The presidential style TV debates led to a rush to vote not so much for anyone, but more to keep SNP out of running the country. Funny thing, but I couldn't find SNP on my ballot paper so wasn't able to vote them in or out!

Many people did spot the value in voting for sound local representatives, which was where our members thrive. We gained seats in North Kesteven, making nine, where we were most organized, and keeping a third of the Council Independent. We were sorry to lose some good councillors and glad to have a sound foundation for the future. The National campaign will not coincide with the District elections for another 20 years. We fought a big campaign, supporting over forty candidates, more than ever before and five MPs, though without the relentless TV coverage. With fair coverage nationally, as in the police and crime commissioner elections, Independents do really well.

Over the whole country, the Independent group of Councillors has retained 10pc of the vote, making us the third largest group.

We look forward to working hard in our new councils and to four years of sound support for our residents. Thank you.

Kind Regards,
Marianne

Councillor Marianne Overton MBE
Independent Councillor for Branston and Navenby on Lincolnshire County Council
and for the Cliff Villages on North Kesteven District Council
Leader of the Lincolnshire Independents
Vice Chairman of the Local Government Associationwww.lincolnshireindependents.org